“We have a front row seat for the Sixth Great Extinction in the history of the Earth, and the only one caused by humans. Let’s face it, the planet will long outlive our fragile species, so any focus on “saving the planet” misses the point. We need to protect the delicate ecosystem that humans need to thrive and survive. It’s all about “nurturing our ecosystem in order to save our species.” Can the clothes we buy make a difference? Peruvian, Eduardo Balarezo thinks it can.”

How Social Enterprises Can Pick Up Where the System Leaves Off
November 23, 2011

“At Lonesome George & Co. we understand that social entrepreneurs are the people that will shape our world. We share their passions. Our Mind.Shift.Impact business model embraces the fact that social enterprises can truly influence the world, picking up where the system leaves off.”

“Lonesome George doesn’t just simply fund causes it supports: rather, it donates 10% of all sales to “experiential education designed to turn youth into social entrepreneurs”… this small business is working to create even more business people (perhaps even competitors) with a triple bottom line mindset.”

“Eduardo Balarezo is the president and founder of Lonesome George & Co. and of Outward Bound, two companies that work together to change mindsets and train new leaders with a environmental conscience. Balarezo told the audience that he got inspiration to start his enterprises from Lonesome George, a pinta tortoise in the Galápagos that is the last one of its species. “I went to Galápagos and I managed to get authorization to sit with Lonesome George in his corral. So I sat and I looked at him,” he said. “When faced with Lonesome George most people get the same message: ‘Find me a mate! Reproduce me!.’ And people are trying to do that. But the message I got was ‘don’t let this happen ever again!’ Lonesome George is lonesome because of the decisions we as humans have made. So I decided to develop a model that would combine a for profit with a non profit to change mindsets and train leaders to change the way we interact with the environment,” he said.”

“For the eco-activist, Lonesome George & Co. creates bold organic tees & eco-accessories that make a statement from production through to everyday wear! Rockin’ one of their super-soft t-shirts is sure to inspire – choose from a variety of messages, from Agent of Change to Fuel the Future. Men’s, women’s and children’s sizes available.”

“Lonesome George & Co is much more than a clothing line. Their products help spread environmental and social awareness and portions of proceeds fund educational programs. Lonesome George & Co. is a social enterprise organization that combines branded apparel and experiential education to ignite a mind shift of global interdependence. By linking products, people, and learning, Lonesome George & Co. builds shared value in local communities through the power of engaged youth.”

Agents of Change – Lonesome George & Co. Review
October 15, 2011
“Lonesome George & Co. is working towards something extraordinary; there are so many children (like I was once) that have such a deep love for these fascinating animals; and others that are slowly losing their numbers. They educate them as Agents of Change, through their clothing and accessories so other’s might stop and ask, “Who is Lonesome George?” And we can tell them how they can help too.”

“Lonesome George & Co. was created with one very simple idea: to build a business that could help shape the future. The company does this by providing superior products that fund necessary educational programs. Inspired by the tremendous journey of the Lonesome George Tortoise, Lonesome George & Co. was formed as a socially conscious organization that combines well-designed apparel with experiential education to ignite a revolutionary, global mind-shift.”

“Last year, Palmer Trinity School established a strategic alliance with a Galapagos apparel company, Lonesome George & Co., in order to offer a new Upper School elective. Named to honor the last surviving giant Pinta Island Tortoise (ca. 1910-2012), the company strives “to inspire and empower youth to positively impact their communities to actively shape our future before it’s too late.””

“Lonesome George & Co. markets a line of clothing sporting George’s likeness as its logo. Ten percent of the revenues go into programs designed to build character and awareness of environmental concerns among young people in Galapagos. Balarezo talks about training them to become ‘agents of change.'”FULL ARTICLE

Eduardo Balarezo: I Witnessed Extinction When Lonesome George Died
July 3, 2012

“Change is the only constant variable in life’s equation. We must learn to adapt. Inspiration comes from opening the heart, not the mind. Innovation is an inspired heart asking the mind to act on it. Choose wisely. With choices come consequences.”

“Creating social change drove Eduardo Balarezo to found Lonesome George & Co., an apparel firm whose designs promote awareness and conservation, and whose revenue is partly used to fund Outward Bound and Ashoka programs.”

How a 100-year-old tortoise helped build a scalable social enterprise
July 26, 2011

“That is what led me to create Lonesome George & Co. and inspire a movement of agents of change who understand that their choices matter. With seven successful points of sale (including an e-commerce site) we have breathed new life into lifestyle brands. Our organisation was built around a hybrid business model that combines for-profit and non-profit components measuring success not only by financial gain, but also by the societal and environmental impact it has on the world. We have built this model to be easily replicated and scalable in other businesses and communities.”

Social Enterprise Introduces Academy of Agents of ChangeJune 8, 2012

“While many companies are choosing quick fixes to support social issues, we are focusing on the root of the problem and how we can prevent these issues from the ground up. We’ve found a unique way to create community impact that is sustainable, replicable and scalable and we encourage other companies to adopt our strategy.”

“Wow! What a passionate company that is striving to change the world we live in. Lonesome George & Co.’s wonderful line of shirts and hoodies for men, women, and children are made using high quality Organic Peruvian Pima cotton. We received an Around the World-Girl tee to review. Immediately I was impressed with the quality of the shirt. Clothes today are not made the way they used to be made. Now companies use cheaper material and cut edges. Not Lonesome George. This shirt is one of the best quality t-shirts I have found for my daughter.”

With Lonesome George & Co. Apparel, You Can Help Fund Work That Will Change the World!
October 24, 2011

“If you are searching for a selection of environmentally responsible apparel for every member of the family, then by all means, head straight to Lonesome George & Co.! You will love the stylish clothing they sell, but more than that, you can rest assured that your purchase will support Lonesome George & Co.’s movement of “change agents” that make choices that protect and preserve our precious resources. Now that’s the holiday gift that truly keeps on giving!”

Win a Lonesome George & Co.’s World Map Tee!
September 23, 2011
“Lonesome George & Co. was started as an initiative to educate people through fashion about the increasing animal extinction rates across the world. Aiming to prevent future Lonesome George situations, the company donate 10% of every purchase to fund youth programs and spread awareness in the Galapagos.”

“Lonesome George & Co. created their company after spotting the last living Pinta Tortoise residing in the Galapagos Islands. The Founders were instantly inspired by extinction and mismanaged resources and they decided to take a stance. They aim to inform and inspire future generations; 10% of each purchase goes directly towards educational programs for today’s youth.”

Turning Ideas Into Action – Social EntrepreneurshipIESE Alumni Magazine, May 2013“Balarezo was inspired by Lonesome George, the last known Pinta Island Tortoise that lived in the Galapagos Islands until his death in 2012. He warns that “in recent years, human activity has drastically altered ecosystems. We need a change, a new way of thinking and acting that is more responsible toward our environment.” He launched a project to prevent the extinction of other species, because “there is always a Lonesome George to fight for, somewhere nearby.””FULL ARTICLE

“Our Mind.Shift.Impact strategy is based on the different components of our business model and how they work together. Our social platform uses a for-profit arm to finance and raise awareness (MIND) through the sale of Lonesome George & Co. apparel that convey a message of change. This is how we generate the seed capital to fund Outward Bound educational programs that enable a mental shift (SHIFT) and empower youth in the community. Finally, these awakened individuals are equipped with social entrepreneurial tools through Ashoka’s Youth Venture programs to change (IMPACT) their communities. It is a hybrid business model that creates wealth while advancing social benefits in the community and can be easily replicated in other communities by companies looking for a sustainable business model that will influence change.”

“Balarezo’s hope is to create long-term sustainable impact. As speedy as the evolution of environmental change to his home in the fragile Galapagos may be, Lonesome George’s languid pace makes him the perfect mascot for a new spin on slow fashion.”

“I created Lonesome George & Co. to outfit Agents of Change who want to take charge of shaping the future so people at the ground level look after the communities they live in and then piece by piece, the world at large changes.

How Eco-Friendly Fashion Can Create a Bigger Impact using Shared Value
September 13, 2011

“Lonesome George & Co. rose up with a mission – to create a for-profit company that could have a direct impact on the community it served, the countries it operated in and in the consumers mind. It began in the Galapagos when Eduardo Balarezo opened one store and saw the incredible consumer demand for choices that can shape the world. Now, with over 5 locations and a booming online store, the company is poised to take the last surviving Pinta Tortoise’s lesson global to inspire a movement of Agents of Change.”

“This comfortable tee doesn’t just fit well and look great but it encourages the reader to be that “Agent of Change.”

Accept the Challenge with Lonesome George & Co.
November 19, 2011

“I really like what Lonesome George represents and where they found their start. Companies that promote change and take an active role always get my attention! Their clothing offers a true representation of what they believe too, like with this Inspire shirt that I have. It says “Accept the Challenge. Inspire Change. Be An Agent.” That’s a great message on a lot of levels, and when I wear it I’m reminded that I can make a difference and inspire change too.”

“Lonesome George has become the icon for world conservationists and ecological educators. Lonesome George is also the name of a clothing and accessories collection designed to inspire people to respect and embrace the world we have. Wearing Lonesome George & Co. Impact Apparel makes a statement to those around you that you care and want to be part of the change for good.”

“The kids feel good knowing that part of the price of the shirt is going to a good cause — although 3Po thinks it’s being donated to help save Lonesome George. I explained to him that sadly, it’s too late for Lonesome George, but we can learn from the tragedy and make educated choices to prevent such mistakes from being made again. I explained that the donation will be going towards education programs to teach people in the Galapagos islands about sustainability, eco-awareness and the importance of preserving the Galapagos as a global heritage site. Now that he could understand — and just like that, 3Po was happy, knowing that his shirt would help do so much good.”

“By simply doing what you can in your daily life–reduce, reuse, recycle and by proudly wearing or using Lonesome George & Co. products you can become an “Agent of Change” and help prevent another species from extinction. Plus, their shirts are super cute (cool for you guys) and fashionable–not just another boring t-shirt (my t-shirt is also super soft and comfy)!”